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- Title
Gender Differences In Spinal Infection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study Of 159 Cases.
- Authors
Lener, Sara; Hartmann, Sebastian; Thomé, Claudius; Tschugg, Anja
- Abstract
Background: Spinal infection (SI) is defined as an infectious disease affecting the spine and/or paravertebral tissue and is still known as a life-threatening condition. Numerous factors may facilitate the course and outcome of SI, including patient's age and comorbidities, as well as gender. To date, no comparative data investigating sex differences in SI is available. Thus, the purpose of the present retrospective trial was to investigate differences between male and female patients. Methods: 159 patients that were treated due to a spinal infection at our department between 2000 and 2016 were included in the retrospective analysis. The patients were categorized into two groups based on gender. Evaluation included MRI, laboratory values, clinical outcome and conservative/operative management. Results: Male patients suffered from SI significantly more often than female patients (n = 101, 63,5% vs. n = 58, 36,5%, p = 0.001). Female patients were initially affected more severe, as infection parameters were significantly higher (p = 0.032) and vertebral destruction was more serious (p = 0.018). Furthermore, women suffered from intraoperative complications (p = 0.024) and received erythrocyte concentrates more frequently (p = 0.01). Nevertheless, death rates were equal, and outcome was comparable. Still, pain scales were significantly higher in female patients at 12 months follow-up (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Although male patients show a higher incidence for SI, the course of disease and the management is less challenging than in female patients. Nevertheless, outcome after 12 months is comparably good. Underlying mechanisms for this adaptation may include better immune response and dissimilar effects of antibiotic treatment in women. Still, further prospective clinical trials will be mandatory.
- Publication
Global Spine Journal, 2018, Vol 8, p299S
- ISSN
2192-5682
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/2192568218771072